Learn more with this project!
Travel Kit: Paper, graph paper, ruler and pencil
Your Destination: Philadelphia’s architecture is important both historically and culturally because it reflects the city’s pivotal role in American history, its innovation in urban planning, and its enduring influence on architectural styles in the United States. Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., founded in 1682. William Penn’s city plan introduced a grid system with wide streets and public squares—revolutionary for its time and highly influential in American urban planning. Hence it is the birthplace of American Urban Architecture.
Philadelphia has some of the best-preserved examples of Colonial and Federal architecture:
- Independence Hall (completed 1753) is where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed.
- Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America, showcases early 18th-century homes.
Philadelphia’s buildings represent nearly every major American architectural movement:
- Georgian and Federal styles (18th century)
- Victorian row homes (19th century)
- Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical buildings like the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Modernist icons like the PSFS Building (first International Style skyscraper in the U.S.) Philadelphia’s architecture symbolizes democratic ideals—public spaces like City Hall, which was once the tallest habitable building in the world, and cultural landmarks like the Rodin Museum help express the city’s values and pride.
On the Path: Look at different historic houses and use our architecture web pages to identify architectural styles.
Step 1: Draw a floor plan of a house you would like using graph paper. Make every block = 1 foot. When drawing lines for the walls use a ruler to keep them straight.
Step 2: Think of all the necessary rooms of a house and add like the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, etc. Many of the older houses you see in Philadelphia originally had out houses.
Step 3: Show where windows and doors would be.
Group Tour: Share your artwork with us at #ArtSphereInc and tell us which building(s) inspired you!
Extend the Journey: On a separate piece of paper draw the facade or front of the house. Will it be a row home or a condo in a skyscraper? Look for more Historic Markers.
Vocabulary: Fascade, floor-pan
Resources and Visual Aids: (And more great Philadelphia historic houses to visit)
- Benjamin Franklin Museum: Located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, featuring interactive exhibits and personal artifacts.
- Betsy Ross House: The former home of the seamstress who crafted the first American flag, this museum highlights her life and role in American history.
- Belfield House: (Narberth), The Belfield House offers a glimpse into 18th-century life with its beautiful architecture and grounds, also highlighting the significant people who once resided there.
- Cedar Grove: An 18th-century stone house offering insights into Philadelphia’s history and the lives of the prominent family that once lived there, set amidst scenic grounds in Fairmount Park.
- Cliveden: Located in Germantown, this Georgian Colonial mansion was a key site during the Battle of Germantown and has been preserved to showcase Philadelphia’s role in the American Revolution.
- Dolly Todd House: Known as the Bishop White House, this National Park Service site was the residence of Dolley Madison before her marriage to James Madison, offering a glimpse into early American social history.
- Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion: Located in West Germantown, this Victorian mansion offers a rich view of 19th-century life through its well-preserved architecture and original furnishings.
- Edgar Allan Poe House: The former home of the iconic American writer, where visitors can learn about his life in Philadelphia and his time living in the city.
- Elfreth’s Alley: As one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States, Elfreth’s Alley is a preserved area that gives insight into life in early Philadelphia.
- Franklin Court Courtyard: This open-air space, once home to Benjamin Franklin’s residence and printing press, now features the Franklin Court Museum and a striking modern glass structure that marks the location of Franklin’s former home.
- Franklin Court Printing Office: A historically reconstructed printing office in Franklin Court where visitors can experience the process of early American printing, emphasizing Benjamin Franklin’s contributions to the printing industry.
- Glen Foerd on the Delaware: A historic riverfront estate now serving as a cultural center and public park, offering beautiful views of the Delaware River.
- Glen Fern: A historic mansion in Mount Airy, dating back to 1696, that offers a window into the architectural and cultural evolution of the region.
- Grumblethorpe: This 18th-century mansion in Germantown is closely tied to the American Revolution and was a British occupation site during the Battle of Germantown.
- Hill-Physick House: A Federal-style house associated with Dr. Philip Syng Physick, a pioneer in American surgery, showcasing early medical history and architectural beauty.
- Historic Rittenhouse Town: The site of America’s first paper mill, now a museum that preserves several 18th-century buildings related to early American industry.
- John Coltrane House: The former home of jazz legend John Coltrane, offering a deep dive into the life and legacy of this iconic musician.
- Johnson House Historic Site, Inc.: An important station on the Underground Railroad, this Germantown site is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of slavery and abolition.
- Laurel Hill Mansion: A historic house in Fairmount Park, this venue is managed by Women for Greater Philadelphia and serves as a unique event space with historical tours.
- Lemon Hill Mansion: One of the first properties purchased by the city to create Fairmount Park, this early 19th-century mansion is an example of early American design and preservation.
- Marian Anderson Home: The childhood home of Marian Anderson, the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, now a museum dedicated to her life and accomplishments.
- Mill Grove: The first American residence of naturalist John James Audubon, now a museum dedicated to his life, work, and significant contributions to art and science.
- Mount Pleasant: A Georgian mansion with sweeping views of the Schuylkill River, once described as “the most elegant Seat in Pennsylvania” by John Adams.
- Oaks Cloister: A private residence in Germantown, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, serving as a remarkable example of early American design.
- Powell House: Built in the 18th century, this Georgian-style house is noted for its historical significance and its association with the city’s early years.
- Summerseat: An 18th-century mansion that served as General Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, offering a glimpse into Philadelphia’s revolutionary past.
- Strawberry Mansion: The largest of the historic Fairmount Park houses, this mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life, with its extensive grounds and period furnishings.
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: The home of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer and hero of the American Revolution, is now a memorial dedicated to his legacy as a fighter for independence and human rights.
- Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion: Located in Belmont Mansion, this museum highlights the role of Philadelphia as a key stop on the Underground Railroad.
- Woodford Mansion: A well-preserved example of early Georgian architecture, now a historic house museum showcasing 18th-century life.
- The Woodlands: A historic cemetery and mansion, offering both peaceful green spaces and fascinating insight into the lives of the individuals buried there.
- Wyck House: A historic site in Germantown, Wyck House serves as a museum focusing on the family’s history and Philadelphia’s agricultural past.